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NHL: These three teams are winning the offseason

By Avery Klatsky

SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 27: Head coach Mike Babcock of the Toronto Maple Leafs directs the players during third period action against the Florida Panthers at the BB&T Center on February 27, 2018 in Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers defeated the Maple Leafs 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 27: Head coach Mike Babcock of the Toronto Maple Leafs directs the players during third period action against the Florida Panthers at the BB&T Center on February 27, 2018 in Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers defeated the Maple Leafs 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 26: Mike Smith #41 of the Calgary Flames reacts to a goal from Dion Phaneuf #3 of the Los Angeles Kings for a 1-0 lead during the second period at Staples Center on March 26, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 26: Mike Smith #41 of the Calgary Flames reacts to a goal from Dion Phaneuf #3 of the Los Angeles Kings for a 1-0 lead during the second period at Staples Center on March 26, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

2. Calgary Flames

After missing the playoffs last season, the Flames went out and made some moves. Here is a look at their additions.

Notable Additions:

  • Noah Hanifin, D

All-star blueliner Noah Hanifin was traded to the Flames in a blockbuster trade with the Carolina Hurricanes. Hanifin, the 5th overall pick in the 2015 NHL draft, has registered 83 points (18 G, 65 A) in three seasons for the Canes. He has also tallied 69 penalty minutes and taken at least 100+ shots on goal every season.

The Boston, Massachusetts, native has a high ceiling for the future. Although he is a restricted free agent, he will most likely sign an extension with Calgary.

  • James Neal, LW

Calgary was also able to steal James Neal from the free agency pool. Neal was selected by Vegas in the expansion draft last year. Before he played for the Golden Knights, he suited up for Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Nashville.

The 30-year-old inked a deal that will give him $28.75 over half a decade. Neal scored 44 points (25 G, 19 A) for Vegas, and has recorded 495 career points (263 G, 232 A) in 703 games.

  • Elias Lindholm, C

The third major player the Flames were able to sign was centerman Elias Lindholm. Also acquired in the Flames-Canes trade, Lindholm has played for Carolina since they drafted him in the 2013 NHL draft. Ironically, he was also the 5th overall pick, like Hanifin.

Lindholm has recorded 188 points (64 G, 124 A) in 374 games for the Hurricanes. Last season, he scored 16 goals and 28 assists. Additionally, he has a 52.7 face-off win percentage.

Other Additions/Re-Signings:

G Jon Gillies, LW Morgan Klimchuk, RW Buddy Robinson, C Alan Quine, C Tyler Grovac, D Dalton Prout, C Derek Ryan, C Austin Czarnik

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